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Monday Musings: On Shorts, Nurses, and Forest Bathing

I wore shorts last week. Willingly. In public.

This is noteworthy because I don’t usually wear shorts. Not because I’m morally opposed to them but because they’re a little more casual than I prefer and, frankly, my legs and I are still renegotiating our relationship. The skin is softer than it used to be, and when the sun hits just right, there’s a certain crepey sheen that no bronzer in the world can disguise.

RAFFIA HAT / CHICO’S SHORTS / ECCO SANDALS / WOVEN TOTE / EARRINGS /SIMILAR TEE

But it was hot and muggy. The kind of hot where you stop caring about looking elegant and just want to make it through the afternoon without melting into the patio furniture. So out came the shorts. Navy, and not too tight. I paired them with a striped tee and a straw hat and pretended I was strolling the French Riviera instead of walking three blocks to the farmer’s market.

Let’s just say it was…liberating. Slightly humbling. And very ventilated.

When Your Husband Thinks You’re a Nurse

Over the weekend, we went out for a family dinner. I wore a white cotton dress with a wide bubble hem, neutral wedge sandals, and carried a straw bag I’ve been leaning on all summer. I felt breezy and effortless until my husband casually mentioned I looked like a nurse.

Not a glamorous, vintage Grace Kelly–era nurse. More like a World War II field medic. Apparently, the crisp white dress gave him movie flashbacks to 1950s hospital uniforms.

WHITE BUBBLE DRESS / BASKET BAG / WEDGE SANDALS / WHITE EARRINGS UNAVAILABLE

My daughter, who thankfully understands nuance (and fashion), kindly pointed out that nurses today wear scrubs and no one under 75 associates a white dress with the medical profession. (Well, he is 75 after all). I was relieved and still considering whether I should poison his coffee. Just a little.

Still, I couldn’t help but wonder how often we let one offhand comment derail a perfectly good outfit. If you’ve ever gotten dressed, felt great, and then had someone ask if you’re going to a costume party, you know what I mean.

The truth is, I liked how I looked. And that should really be enough.

Forest Walks and the Gentle Reset

Later on in the weekend, my daughter and I went for a walk through the forest near our neighborhood. It wasn’t a fitness thing—as I’ve said before, it’s something for the spirit. The Japanese call it Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” and it’s been studied for its effects on stress reduction, focus, and even blood pressure. You don’t need to do anything special. Just walk quietly, breathe deeply, and let the trees remind you to be present.

I always come home from those walks feeling a little lighter. A little less fixated on ruffled hems or the state of my knees. Nature has a way of gently putting things back in their place.

Why This Matters

When you’re a woman over 60, getting dressed in the heat can feel like a battle between comfort and confidence. Throw in changing bodies, outdated comments, and the occasional mosquito, and it’s easy to feel like style isn’t worth the fuss.

But it is. Because when we make peace with how we look, and maybe even laugh at it…we make room to actually enjoy the lives we’re dressing for.

Applying This to Your Wardrobe

  • If shorts make you cringe, try a looser cut or soft linen styles in your seasonal colors. They don’t have to be short to be called shorts.
  • A white summer dress can be a staple, just add bold earrings, modern sandals, or a statement bag to keep it from feeling too “uniform.”
  • Nature is free therapy. Even five minutes under a shady tree can calm your mind and reset your day.

Have you worn something recently that made you second-guess yourself? Or has nature reminded you it doesn’t matter as much as we think? I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks for reading and being part of our community!

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111 Comments

  1. Mary Jean Cunningham says:

    My sister was a nurse – without the white stockings, white shoes and starched white cap, it didn’t look like a nurse’s uniform to me at all! Well, we are women who care about what we wear or we wouldn’t be reading your blog – because we care we’re very attuned to what others think of our choices and we do take them to heart. Various stylists denounce bermuda shorts, but I love them – however, I admit that I worry that I’m wearing the “wrong” thing. It seems there is endless advice on what is “ok” for women our age to wear – prints v. no prints; tucked and belted v. untucked; are denim jackets truly “out,” can you “still” wear a waterfall cardigan and on and on. So, it sounds crazy, but it can feel like an act of courage to wear something out of the house sometimes – are we past the days when “what will people think” was a common worry? I guess not. I got an unwelcome vibe one time when my husband asked, “Is that what you’re wearing?” I knew where he was going with it – he’s very conservative and doesn’t follow trends or styles and he just has to trust that I’m not going to embarrass him! We recently attended a very fancy wedding and I realized I was spending more time looking for a gown than I would be wearing it, which didn’t even make sense. The constant hunt for clothing and shoes that fit, look reasonably good on this aging body, are good quality, aren’t crazy expensive, are suitable for my lifestyle – it’s work, but it’s also “work” that I kind of enjoy and fills a lot of my mental space – not sure what that says about me. It’s kind of a game or a hobby, I guess. As for shorts, when it’s hot, I’m wearing them! I am happy with two skorts I got at Kohl’s this year as well – they’re on the short side but I feel ok in them – for now…if someone commented adversely on them, I wonder if I would feel so good? Is that giving someone else too much power, if I’ve determined that I’m ok with them? Is this overthinking it all :)?!?

    1. Not over thinking at all! I think these are important topics and deserve to be explored.

  2. You always look stylish Jennifer – I so admire that about you. On the subject of shorts, the only time I wear them (or a skort) is to golf or garden. I was golfing yesterday with a gal who winters in Florida and we were discussing how it is so much more casual there, that women wear shorts everywhere, even out to dinner. We live just outside of Toronto (Canada) and would not feel comfortable wearing shorts anywhere except the golf course or around the house. It seems that climate, location and lifestyle are also influencing our choices.

    1. Location really makes a big difference. Plus familiarity. If you see other women wearing shorts everywhere it feels more natural to do it yourself.

  3. Poison his coffee. Quite unexpected, and funny. No, the dress did not look like a nurse at all.
    Right now I have a 3 skorts and one pair of shorts and no full length mirror. It’s hot and I am comfortable.

    1. I want more skorts now!

  4. Cheryl A. says:

    Great post Jennifer and you look amazing. Style and taste is a gift and many do not have it. I decided I am going to dress how I want knowing my North Star is style and taste. Keep on styling and you have genuine class.

  5. Carolyn W says:

    Hi Jennifer,
    I had a good chuckle at your column today. It’s funny because husbands often comment on the style of their personal shopper and stylist. I remember buying suits, ties, shirts, shoes, and socks to make the most put-together ensemble for my husband. It is like biting the gift horse’s hand. My daughter is a nurse; that would be the day that she would don a nurse’s white dress uniform. You can wear scrubs to work, to bed, to the store, and work in the yard, no fashion decision there.

    1. Same! I choose most of his clothes.

  6. Mary Beth says:

    Hi Jennifer, This post is so timely and spot-on for me. I recently turned 61, and it feels like my body has staged a rebellion! All my life, my go-to summer favorite has been white denim jean shorts. That has changed this year; I’m finding them to feel too heavy and tight. My new favorite is Talbots Perfect Shorts. A 7” or 9” inseam seems best for now.
    You are only the second person I’ve heard talk about forest bathing. Isn’t it wonderful?! I did it once with a guide who led different meditation exercises at various points along the trail. It was a lovely experience I hope to repeat soon.
    BTW, you rocked the white dress! 😉

    1. The forest is my happy place…it’s magical

  7. I just love your humor! Wear shorts; it’s too hot not to. You look great in them. I LOVE YOUR WHITE DRESS AND YOU LOOK NOTHING LIKE A NURSE.

  8. That white dress is lovely. My husband readily admits he knows nothing about fashion. But years ago, just as I had decided that a shirt dress was too full for my frame and the color was unflattering, he told me it was his favorite of all the dresses I had. (I wore mostly dresses to work in those days.) I kept it for a few more months, but eventually I donated it to Goodwill. We both got over it! I love your posts – you keep it real, Jennifer!

    1. Thanks for sharing that Ruth!

  9. Love this post and all the comments. Looking put together and comfortable can be accomplished! Your posts prove it !

  10. Yes, when it’s 104 degrees here in the SW, even though bronzer doesn’t completely disguise my purple varicose veins, I do put on bermuda shorts, and I do like a couple of skorts I have too, they feel a bit more dressy! Now when it comes to white, and I love a white dress- yours is beautiful, but I haven’t found one for me that doesn’t make me look like a lost child, and a belt just makes me look like a sack tied in the middle. Sigh. But darker colors work better, so guess white is not my “color”?

    1. Or…it depends on the style and texture of the white 🙂

  11. LOL, my husband has said the same thing to me when I wear all white!!
    I think you look fabulous in both the white dress and shorts! I don’t comment often but love your witty remarks and interesting topics. Keep smiling and being you!!

    1. Thanks for being here Susan!

  12. I’m new to this blog, too. Jennifer, I’m so glad I found you. I so appreciate your fashion news and self-care advice. Moreover, I love how you reflect on fashion’s current place and role in your life — and you keep it all in perspective. Now, at 71, I find joy in fashion. It wasn’t true in the past. Since I have to try a bit harder to find a good fit and style, I’m appreciating the process more. Of late, I’ve been using some second-hand stores (Poshmark, eBay, and local consignment stores) to largely find Talbots and J. Jill items — that fit. We’re a frugal family, so it works. Thanks for reaching out with your blog! It’s always a relaxing read.

    1. Welcome Judy! I’m so happy you’ve joined our community

  13. Jennifer- wear the shorts!!! You look great in them and also the white dress. Thanks for another great Monday musing. I wish I could find a direct here in hot muggy Florida 👀 🤪 I think it’d be just the thing for thoughtful walking.

  14. Jennifer,
    Your shorts and top look great! You certainly look put together for a hot day. Shorts are always an issue and I found that if I find a style and brand that I love they become my go to. Talbots always seems to have the Bermuda shorts that fit me best so year after year I introduce new colors. Into my wardrobe. This summer, I’ve been exploring skorts as an option to shorts as well.Talbots had a few that seem promising, but I am looking for something that hits me at the right length and is comfortable in the hot weather.
    My husband has also made some interesting comments on what I’m wearing but I’ve learned to laugh and carry on!

    1. Carry-on is a great attitude!

  15. You look great in your shorts so don’t hesitate to wear them is you want to do so. I must confess that people’s remarks about my clothing do impact my choices. Most recently my cousin remarked that my blue checkered shirt looked a bit folksy. I haven’t worn it since. Every time I reach for it I hear his words. I don’t know, maybe there is truth in his words and it has made me think that this is not the style I want to wear anymore. I hope your white dress will continue to bring you joy. As for my shirt, it is in the donation bin.

  16. You look fine in shorts Jennifer. My knees look just like yours except I now have a 17” scar from having a total knee joint replacement. I did ballet until age 17 and my doctor husband said that is why my knees look like they do. I wear mid thigh shorts everyday at home and for dog walks. It was 83 at 8:30am today! I also got five mosquito bites! I did wear white uniform dresses and cap from 1973-1979 when I went into CCU-ICU and wore ugly grey scrubs from the hospital laundry from then on. I never missed ironing those uniforms. Your dress is so much more elegant than my uniforms were. Think Nurse Ratchet. I also liked my hat until I was getting it caught on bed curtains that were used back in the day between beds. Single bed rooms were expensive so usually there were four beds with one tiny bathroom. Things have really changed. I told my husband what your husband said to you and he remarked that when he met me in 1976, I was all in white working nights on Med-Surg. It was his first day as a brand new intern, July 1. He told me with a smile that he knows better than to comment on my clothes.

  17. pj hinton says:

    Was just recently diagnosed with alopecia areata, which can be a dreadful disease! I was having a “poor me” moment this morning after washing my hair and having handfuls of it come out in my hands during that process! Then I sat down at my computer and read your blog and just had the best laugh ever!! So thanks for helping me get up out of my doldrums and feel better about life and the day!! Laughter IS mostly the best medicine!!

    1. We have a lot of alopecia in our family, so I can empathize with what you are experiencing. I agree laughter is our best medicine. I am so glad you’re here.

  18. You look great in your shorts! I loved your comment “my legs and I are still renegotiating our relationship” – exactly how I feel!
    The white dress also looks very nice and cool on you – I don’t wear much white myself but it’s because I seem to be a dirt magnet every time I wear white.
    I do know what you mean about the impact of random comments – not too long ago a male friend told me that my purse looked like a feed bag. I guess you just gotta laugh!

  19. I LOVE your wit, your sense of humor and your wonderful turn of phrase. Reading this brightened my morning!
    I’m also renegotiating with my body. I’m losing at that bargaining table! 🤣

    And you look great in the white dress.

  20. Kathleen O'Brien says:

    I would wear that white dress in a second! Looks so cool and chic. My mom was a nurse and did wear those white uniforms, with white shoes and stockings. More utility than chic.
    Id love to shop with you, as you always look so great.

  21. The white dress looked fantastic on you. Love the hemline! Husbands, mine would wear the same clothes everyday if I didn’t stop him.

    1. So would mine, although half his wardrobe is from the ’90s still!

  22. My husband usually says nice comments about my clothes, but one time after we were in a hurry and I wanted to watch my hair before we left, he said “well, it doesn’t look any better when you wash it.” Yikes!

    Well, I wear shorts every day from April through November here in hot steamy Florida! I cannot stand being hot! I only wear long or crop pants if we are going out to dinner at a nice restaurant.

    1. Husbands are something else aren’t they!

  23. Suzanne Daehlin says:

    I think the dress looks adorable on you. It has perfect proportions and the crisp white is a wonderful color for you. Also seeing the dress evokes feelings of coolness and calm. 😌😍

  24. The white dress is so cute on you. That’s exactly something my husband would say! He is really good about shopping with though. It is really hot here too but I don’t even own any shorts. I have so many spots, not even body makeup can cover them. When I wear my golf skorts I wear toeless pantyhose. Honestly you can’t really tell and I feel better about my skin. Walking is so beneficial. We walk every day on lovely trails in our neighborhood.

  25. Your husband was just teasing you! I remember wearing white pants and white shirt to work one day and my boss asked me if I was impersonating the ice cream man ha ha. Never wore that to work again. I just had my colors analyzed and found I’m a different season than I thought I was and how I was dressing. I find dressing in my new colors is very empowering. My husband never noticed a thing lol.

  26. Christine F says:

    I have never seen a nurse dress like that. There is nothing wrong with that dress.

  27. Jennifer,
    I think you look cool and put together in your shorts . The right length and cut are so important so when I find a style that works that brand is my “go to”. Talbots seems never to disappoint. That said I’ve been switching to skorts this summer for a change. The challenge again is the right style and length. Comfort is a given.
    My husband has come up with some interesting comments too but I’ve learned to just laugh and move on!

  28. Good Morning Jennifer, great post today! I see a lot of people who might want to consider “not” wearing shorts, you’re not one of those. You look great. Years and years ago, I had a black dress that had a white collar and white cuffs. Can’t remember if hubby or someone at work told me I looked like a pilgrim. I loved that dress and continued to wear it, but each time I put it on, I felt a little self conscience about the pilgrim thing.

    1. It’s amazing how those off hand comments stay with us!

  29. I have bought 3 new shirt dresses this year that are knee length. They are the type of dresses you can wear casually or dress up. They are a cotton blend,so they will be comfortable in the Midwest hot humid weather. The problem is my legs! I have a lot of spider veins, especially on the left leg.
    I have been using a self tanner and I have some leg makeup,which does a pretty good job of covering even the worst of the spider veins. I plan to start wearing the dresses this week! This is a big step for me,since I don’t usually wear dresses.

    1. I’m finding dresses so easy this summer

  30. Love this post especially the comment about the white dress and looking like a “nurse”. I am a 73 year old retired R.N. and I am looking for a white linen dress that does not look like a uniform. I ordered one from another company and my husband thought it looked like a nightgown! The one you have on looks cool and comfortable. I have learned so many useful tips from your blog. Thank you for being there as a “consultant” for many of us.

    1. I adore white linen

  31. Jennifer, you made light of your husband‘s comment as we all do but it really struck a nerve with me. (on the heels of a family dinner last night) Why do otherwise kind people say things that are so hurtful? Even if that kind of a thought crossed my mind and usually doesn’t I would never give it voice.

  32. I love that white dress! It looks crisp and cool and current. Ignore hubby and wear it often with one of your beautiful smiles.

  33. What a cute dress
    Nothing says nurse about that dress

  34. Good morning, Jennifer. Your post about white dresses evoking nurse images made me smile. I am a 63 year old nurse, just retired after 41 years, and while your daughter is correct, nurses these days wear scrubs and no longer wear white or uniform dresses, I still shy away from a white dress. I’m 63, and when I was a student nurse and for at least 5 years after I graduated, nurses did wear white dresses or pant suits. When I try on a white dress, I still feel like a nurse. Your dress looks lovely on you.

  35. Jean Campbell says:

    Speaking of nurse-type garments and off-hand comments, some 30 years ago I had a nurse uniform that was a white vest and culottes that I wore over a plain white collared shirt. I put it on to go to work. My husband said I looked like western movie star Dale Evans. I wore it anyway.

    1. LOL, I love that you wore it Jean!

  36. Leigh Pirtle says:

    Today I appreciate your insights with a renewed sense of purpose. I attended a 50-yr HS class reunion over the weekend, and let’s just say good thing there were name tags. Everyone knew me. I’ve learned taking care of myself is job #1 and it does show. Thank you for emphasizing we are worth the effort! And I wore my favorite pair of jeans, which is my style.

    1. Amazing! Self care does pay off.

  37. Bonjour ,tu es magnifique, j’ai ri quand tu as dit que ton mari t’a pris une infirmière, le vilain tu es vraiment superbe avec ta robe et ton sac ,il était jaloux c’est tout ,hi hi hi ,j’aime beaucoup ce que tu propose et ce que tu portes sa te va à ravir. Ps:fait la paix avec tes jambes, bizou.

  38. Jennifer, I love your way with words! You cut to the chase and say what many of us are thinking or wondering about.
    Some of us just have to reprogram ourselves not to worry about what others think. I’ve read many times that ‘others’ are really only thinking of themselves. Lol
    And thank you for that excellent earlier post on types of sun screen. Saved that one too.
    Enjoy your week. And another walk or two!

    1. Have a fabulous week Pam!

  39. Hi Jennifer,
    I totally understand your post about wanting to be cool on a hot and muggy day. This weekend my dear friend and I attended the annual Lavendar Festival in our state. Needless to say, it was going to be in the 90s and very muggy. I planned ahead with wide leg linen pants and a very old linen shirt that I love! It even has a hole in the back, but I don’t care, it is my summer, breezy hot shirt and I will never get rid of it. With my straw bucket hat and sandals I was very comfortable, until a serious down pour totally drenched us! I didn’t care, we sat in the rain until it passed and I dried off in time to sit down and enjoy a late lunch. In this weather, you have to trust your well learned instincts and the heck with making fashion statements!

    Love your Monday musings,
    Ana

    1. What a wonderful day Ana and your outfit sounds perfect! I love lavender festivals.

  40. Happy Monday. I wear shorts a lot but admire your gumption (my grandma’s word) in getting out in yours when it’s not your thing. Yesterday, I wore a sleeveless top — something I NEVER do. I put the crepey skin lotion on, which made me feel better but did little for my arms (as yet). My one shorts caveat is … if you don’t wear Bermudas and wear shorter shorts as I often do, be careful of what you sit on. A webbed chair can leave its imprint on your thighs. My daughter does counseling outside for all the nature benefits you mention.

    1. Great point about shorter shorts!

  41. Jennifer-

    I am not a fan of shorts much anymore either but it is HOT in the PNW. I recently bought two pairs of the Chico shorts that you have shown, I love the length and they feel really good on this aging body, high waisted and slimming.

    You always make me chuckle as I read your post first thing in the morning.

    Thank you.

    1. Those Chico’s shorts are a winner for sure.

  42. As a retired nurse, I still struggle with white pants. I wore them for so long at work! You always look great 😊

  43. Very timely post. I think female boomers in general take comments to heart, because it’s instilled in our brains. Remember dress codes for any office/business you worked at? Even if you technically followed the dress code, co workers, almost anyone felt they were entitled to voice a judgement of what you wore. The color is too bright, your suit should be navy or charcoal. The print is too busy, you should stick to solids or subtle stripes. The much younger people I know, don’t even entertain comments about their appearance. If anything is commented that is not totally positive, then it’s considered disrespectful and discarded. Have a blessed week, and survive this hot summer.

  44. Ahhh…the white dress conundrum! I thought it looked good…and definitely not “nursey”. I should know…was an Army nurse from 1971-2001, and believe me….had some truly horrible uniforms….the one with the “winged” sleeves kept getting caught up in IV tubing.

    MY white dress trauma is because it’s sleeveless….and it’s too darn hot here to wear even a short sleeved jacket over. So, I either look at it longingly in my closet, or be brave and forget my saggy upper arms.

    1. Be brave and wear it…everyone is too worrried about their own arms to think about yours!

  45. Kathy Wolpers says:

    The white dress is great, and you look awesome in it. Sometimes husbands are clueless, LOL.

    1. Thanks Kathy. Yup, they sure can be.

  46. How true that a comment can alter your perspective of an outfit. A few years ago, I had a teal Talbots silk blouse with a ruffled front that I fell in love with. The first time I wore it, my husband said, “Ahoy, matey!”. Needless to say, wearing it never felt the same again. I wish comments could be ignored, but sadly, most don’t. BTW, your white dress looked nice and cool, and not at all nurse-like! And yes, nature can certainly bring peace and harmony.

    1. I’m relieved to know my husband isn’t the only one, and yes, it does change how we see things.

  47. I wear shorts daily during hot, humid Chicago summers. Mid-thigh or Bermuda are the most flattering but are hard-pressed to find at times as fashion trends dictate ridiculously short shorts! In the 1970s these were called “hot pants” which my mother wisely forbid me to wear. I was wearing skorts even back then and still do! As for your forest walk, there is nothing else like it besides being in church that brings peace.

    1. Bermuda is my preferred length for sure

      1. I’ve always been envious of longer legs and the styles one can wear if blessed with them. (No midis or wide leg pants for me!) I’m 5’2” now and at 74 I’m happy to say I still look decent in shorts with 6” inseams.

    2. The whole legs paragraph! I laughed, I commiserated. It’s all spot on!
      And the white dress is cute and very non-nursey. (I once had a co-worker flat-out tell me that my sweater was “ugly.” At least your husband didn’t mean to be like that!)

      1. Wow, that was one nasty co-worker. I’d be tempted to reply with something snarky

  48. What a great post, Jennifer. The only garment I hate more than shorts is a bathing suit! This week I went to J Crew Factory and bought a pair of navy tailored shorts on a good sale. I tried on several pairs with different cuts and lengths and had my husband help me critique them (thank goodness he was kind and helpful). Exhausting, but it worked. We went to happy hour after. A few years ago, I wore a monochromatic outfit of all white, and my husband said I looked like the ice cream man, so I know what you mean.

    1. Happy hour is a great reward for shorts shopping 🙂

  49. I’m new to your blog and have to say how much I’m enjoying it. Witty and helpful – the perfect combination! Those husbands – they can humble us rather quickly at times haha.

    1. Welcome Tess! Yes, they are a challenge

  50. Thank you for pointing out the obvious!

  51. I am a retired 67 year-old RN. I wore a white uniform and a cap with pride in my early years of work and scrubs in the later years. I do not think for a minute that your beautiful, breezy white dress made you look like a nurse. There are many misconceptions of nurses that a white uniform dress seems to set off, especially around Halloween with terrible jokes.

    1. I loved the crisp look of those white uniforms with caps!

  52. You look great in the shorts and the white dress!

  53. Jennifer, the white dress ensemble looks fabulous on you. 🙂

  54. Lol on the white dress thing….I could see my husband thinking and saying something like that. Then it’s like a song you can’t get out of your head…..

    Have a great day.

    1. Yes! Exactly like that.

  55. Your shorts outfit looked effortless and classic! Husbands…..years ago I had on gold sandals. His comment…going to the casino🤣🤣🤣. He is the first to say he is clueless on clothes. Catholic school uniforms, then a lifetime in scrubs.

    1. LOL…it just rolls off their tongues

  56. Kathleen Johnson says:

    Jennifer, You look great n your white dress! You also look fabulous in your shorts! Men are so funny sometimes with random comments. I’m a teacher and years ago I wore a coat-dress to school. I thought that it was darling! One boy in class kept repeating, Is that a coat or a dress? It was kind of funny, but I never wore that dress again! Silly on my part! I love your posts. You are authentic and real! Have a lovely Monday. Kathleen

    1. That’s unusual and unfortunate but I totally get it!

  57. Nature is free therapy. I LOVE this! Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful week. 🙂

  58. Hi Jennifer, I like the white dress on you! You look cool, comfortable and polished, as you say! In the shorts too!
    As a nurse in the 1980’s I did wear white, even a dress at times but never one with a ruffle! (I was much happier in the scrubs).

    1. They certainly seem more practical and comfortable for the job!

  59. Christine says:

    I loved this post! You looked lovely. Husbands what do they know about fashion? Your daughter’s reply was spot on. Have a great week

    1. Agreed, most are fashion clueless. He freely admits that but always has an opinion.

  60. You look great in those blue shorts and striped tee.

  61. Lisa Reneson says:

    Today’s post gave me a chuckle. You are so wonderful!!

    1. Thanks for being here Lisa

  62. SuzanneGabrielle says:

    Such a good column today which inspired me to ramble here on a few topics. (1) Years ago the owner of a boutique I shopped in told me my outfit “did nothing for me.” I was a frequent and good customer. I never went back, but I’ve hesitated buying anything in the color burgundy since. (2) As for shorts, I’m a Florida resident and I do wear them for my morning walks and around the house, but never anyplace else. (3) I love white and am always in search of a good white dress that doesn’t give me the Nurse Ratchet look. I finally found a few that work and I usually add a raffia belt which helps.

    1. Wow! That boutique owner was clueless!!

  63. I LOVE the white dress, and no you didn’t look like a nurse. But I get it, even off-hand, humor based comments can sting and deflate us. I have resorted to knee length skorts this summer, which keeps me cooler, but also looks (for me) a bit more polished. It really is about the confidence! Sometimes I have more than other times. 😉

    1. Same with me Bunnie..sometimes I think and rethink after someone makes an off hand comment.

  64. You look great in the white dress.

  65. Jennifer,
    Thank you for this!
    I always appreciate your insight.

  66. Recent super muggy DC visit wearing a nondescript loose tshirt dress. My son asked if I was wearing a nightgown. Too hot to care